It’ s never to late to start a business

22 Nov 2012

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Are you over 50 and have a business idea but don’t know where to start? If so the Laois County Enterprise Board and Senior Enterprise will introduce those aged 50+ to the world of entrepreneurship and how to bring a business idea to fruition at a national two-day residential workshop to be held on November 26th and 27th in Portlaoise.

Are you over 50 and have a business idea but don’t know where to start? If so the Laois County Enterprise Board and Senior Enterprise will introduce those aged 50+ to the world of entrepreneurship and how to bring a business idea to fruition at a national two-day residential workshop to be held on November 26th and 27th in Portlaoise.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for 2011 found that over 4,000 individuals aged 50+ were setting up new businesses in Ireland last year. These entrepreneurs are creating jobs for themselves and in many cases for others in the community. Given the experience and accumulated skills which individuals in this age group possess, the organisers of this interactive two day residential workshop firmly believe that the number of entrepreneurs in this age group can be doubled.

The aim of the workshop is to give budding entrepreneurs aged 50+ the opportunity to develop a business plan to help them establish their new business. It is suitable for those who have an idea for a business venture and would like assistance in taking it from concept stage to commercial reality.

During the course of the workshop participants will learn how to assess the feasibility of their business idea, undertake market research, develop an action based marketing plan, acquire the knowledge to complete 1 – 3yr sales and expenditure projections, develop practical skills for achieving their projected sales targets, understand how to manage cash flow in their business, identify the amount of capital required to start their business, gain awareness of the supports available to new businesses, and finally to identify appropriate exit strategies. The delivery style will be highly interactive and will draw on the skills, experience and knowledge of participants through facilitated round tables.

Speaking about the workshop, Ms. Maria Callinan, CEO of Laois County Enterprise Board said, “Entrepreneurs make a substantial impact on the Irish economy in terms of job creation, innovation and productivity. Our brief is to encourage entrepreneurship at local level and we believe that there is untapped entrepreneurial potential in the over 50s population. We are delighted to partner with Senior Enterprise in this exciting initiative”.

r John Byrne, Director of Senior Enterprise, which is supported by the EU Interreg Regional Development Fund, and is recognised in Europe for its innovative approach to nurturing a greater engagement of those aged 50+ with enterprise.

“We believe that there is potential to double the number of new 50s entrepreneurs in Ireland from 4,000 to 8,000. Many individuals, who have been in employment for a long time, now have an opportunity to realise an idea or business concept they believe in.

“They have excellent experience and passion about their idea but need to know how to translate that into a working business. This workshop will give them the tools to assess their idea and bring it forward.

“There are a limited number of places, however, so early booking is advisable”.

The cost is €75 for the two day workshop which includes all training material, food, accommodation (single occupancy), in the hotel and is heavily subsidised by the County Enterprise Boards and Senior Enterprise. To apply, contact your local County Enterprise Board. To find the County Enterprise Board nearest to you click on the link http://www.enterpriseboards.ie/find_your_enterprise_board.aspx.

If you wish, you can contact us using any of the methods below: Leinster Express,Dublin Road,PortlaoiseEmail: editor@leinsterexpress.ieTelephone: 057 8621666

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